Do you want more visibility for your local business and attract new customers? Do you want free publicity in a previously untapped but potential target audience? Do you want more website traffic?
If the answer is YES to all three, then the solution is really simple. Local SEO!
Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a highly effective marketing practice that promotes local businesses and their services within the community. In other words, it will put your business front and centre, whenever customers search online for services in your category.
So, be it a food truck, a plumber’s service, a doctor or a beauty salon, everyone benefits from local SEO services by attracting customers via online search.
But how? You need to optimize your local SEO so that you get the desired visibility, traffic, leads and conversions. Here are some of the tried and tested ways to improve your local SEO:
Claim your Google My Business listing
Google My Business (GMB) is hailed as the cornerstone of local SEO. So, if you haven’t created your GMB and verified it, that would be the first step.
To do so, visit https://www.google.com/business and follow the instructions to set up your profile and verify it.
A GMB listing is one of the best ways to optimize your online presence. And it is absolutely free. Your business will also show up on Google Maps and your business will start appearing in searches for all devices. Once you have claimed and verified your business, follow these steps to make sure you leverage this free tool:
Optimize your GMB profile
Once you have claimed and verified your business, follow these steps to make sure you leverage this free tool:
- Use the GMB dashboard to fill out information accurately.
- Provide as much detail as you can, including photos, videos, working hours, holidays and additional attributes(wheelchair accessible etc.)
- Supply an attractive and helpful cover photo because that will be one of the first images a customer sees.
- Also, use the right Profile Picture that depicts your business best(could be your logo).
- Add relevant categories that apply to your business.
- Encourage customers to leave positive reviews in the reviews section. This is one of the best ways to educate future customers.
Create a mobile-friendly website
Mobile visits to websites are on the rise, as users are inclined to search for information on the go. One study from Acquisio found traffic from local searches has a higher conversion rate. 75% of all mobile searches with local intent result in offline store visits within 24 hours.
It is evident that mobile is the way of the future and you need either a responsive website or a mobile-friendly version to strengthen your local SEO.
What are some ways you optimize your website for mobile?
- Check the page load times
- Use mobile-friendly, bigger fonts that are easier to read
- Do a mobile usability test and get it tested professionally
- Only provide the necessary information
Use online business listings
While there are massive in numbers, online business directories can really push your business’s visibility. With online B2B and B2C directories, you can enhance your searchability, provide relevant details like name, address, phone number and backlinks to your website and social media pages.
Leverage Social Media
With the introduction of ‘recommendation’ features, local groups and communities, Social Media is a gold mine for local businesses. People on social channels are constantly seeking recommendations for everything from repair services to bakery and restaurants.
Facebook now even has a dedicated feature for recommendations in local areas.
You may have noticed that answers to local recommendations in Facebook pull up exact locations automatically.
This is incredibly useful to gain a wider audience.
You can also make the most of reviews and recommendations feature, and boost your Facebook and Instagram posts by targeting local audiences.
Optimizing your local SEO is no longer up against an optional strategy. With targeted online marketing for your local audience, you can convert vast, untapped audiences into customers. If you are short on time, then it is a good idea to hire a local SEO service in London to optimize your business presence.
